Athletic Trainers Push ACL Injury Prevention as More Young Athletes Face Long Recoveries

A torn ACL can change an athlete's season in an instant. For some, it can change multiple seasons.

That reality became painfully clear for Athens Academy soccer player Selah Ogburn, who has endured two ACL tears and two surgeries in the same knee over the past two years. Her experience is part of a larger trend Athletic Trainers are seeing across youth and high school sports.

At Athens Academy alone, six student-athletes suffered ACL injuries this year, highlighting concerns about injury prevention and education.

“I just remember, I heard a pop,” Ogburn recalled of her first injury. “And then I landed on it, and then crack.”

For Athletic Trainers, stories like Ogburn's reinforce the importance of proactive injury prevention. Athens Academy Head Athletic Trainer Eleni Petrou said many ACL injuries can occur in a split second, often during routine athletic movements such as cutting, pivoting, or landing.

Recovery, however, is anything but quick.

“Surgery-wise, it's a nine- to 12-month recovery before being cleared to participate in sports,” Petrou explained.

Athletic Trainers and sports medicine professionals say one of the biggest challenges is that many athletes, parents, and coaches aren't exposed to prevention programs until after an injury occurs.

Katie Terrell, an Athletic Trainer and outreach coordinator with Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, believes education is key.

“Everyone knows it's a possibility, but they don't have the information on the front end of how to correct it or reduce the likelihood,” she said.

Programs such as FIFA 11+ and targeted strength training focused on hips, hamstrings, and core stability have been shown to help reduce injury risk. Athletic Trainers also use injury data to identify trends and recommend preseason strengthening programs when patterns emerge.

While no prevention program can eliminate injuries entirely, Athletic Trainers continue advocating for proper warm-ups, strength development, recovery, nutrition, hydration, and gradual training progression.

As Ogburn continues her recovery journey, her story serves as a reminder of both the physical and emotional challenges athletes face—and the important role Athletic Trainers play in helping them return to the sports they love. Read the full story here! 

FAQs

How can Athletic Trainers help reduce ACL injury risk?

Athletic Trainers implement injury prevention programs, monitor movement patterns, educate athletes and coaches, and identify risk factors before injuries occur.

Why are ACL injuries becoming a growing concern in youth sports?

Many young athletes are specializing earlier, competing year-round, and participating in club sports with limited recovery time, increasing injury risk.

What ACL prevention programs are commonly used by Athletic Trainers?

Programs such as FIFA 11+ and targeted neuromuscular training can help improve strength, balance, and movement mechanics associated with ACL injury risk.

What role do Athletic Trainers play during ACL rehabilitation?

Athletic Trainers help coordinate rehabilitation, monitor recovery progress, communicate with physicians and coaches, and guide return-to-play decisions.